Abu Dhabi to Host Global Celebration of International Jazz Day 2025 on April 30

The Global Celebration of International Jazz Day 2025 in Abu Dhabi

The International Jazz Day 2025 is set to take place on April 30 and will be celebrated in more than 190 countries around the world, with Abu Dhabi designated as the global host city. This celebration will be organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, featuring a variety of concerts, educational sessions, and cultural activities.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, "We are thrilled to celebrate this international day in style at Abu Dhabi, the UNESCO Creative City of Music. This year's edition will highlight the city's artistic wealth and cultural heritage while showcasing jazz's ability to unify communities, promote dialogue, and foster peace across all continents."

Over a period of five weeks, Abu Dhabi will come alive with a series of jazz concerts, educational programs, and community gatherings, culminating in the globally broadcast International Jazz Day 2025 All-Star World Concert on April 30 at the Etihad Arena, the largest indoor entertainment venue in the region. This concert, featuring iconic pianist Herbie Hancock, will be hosted by Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons and will showcase an extraordinary lineup of renowned jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop artists from around the globe.

Performers will include artists like Arqam Al Abri (UAE), John Beasley (USA), Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA), A Bu (China), Terri Lyne Carrington (USA), Kurt Elling (USA), José James (USA), Rhani Krija (Morocco), John McLaughlin (UK), Hélène Mercier (France/Canada), Marcus Miller (USA), Linda May Han Oh (Australia), John Pizzarelli (USA), Dianne Reeves (USA), Arturo Sandoval (USA), Naseer Shamma (Iraq), Danilo Pérez (Panama), and Varijashree Venugopal (India). Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

Herbie Hancock remarked, “Jazz has always brought people together, breaking barriers and inspiring creativity across cultures. International Jazz Day reminds us that music has the power to transcend borders, encourage dialogue, and awaken joy and hope.” Tickets for this monumental event are already available, and the concert will also be livestreamed to millions via UNTV, UNESCO channels, jazzday.com, Facebook, YouTube, and other media partners.

International Jazz Day will feature thousands of events worldwide as artists, educators, and institutions organize master classes, jam sessions, panel discussions, and educational workshops that reflect jazz’s profound influence as a unifying force.

In Abu Dhabi, events will take place in significant cultural and educational institutions, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, and NYU Abu Dhabi. These activities will also extend to hospitals, senior centers, children's libraries, and schools, with special performances highlighting the integration of jazz with traditional instruments such as the oud, qanun, and ney.

This celebration coincides with a cultural summit in Abu Dhabi that gathers leading figures from the cultural and creative industries. It will include panels and conversations featuring Herbie Hancock and other eminent artists.

Support for International Jazz Day comes from notable organizations, including the Doris Duke Foundation and United Airlines, the global airline partner of International Jazz Day.

About International Jazz Day

Established by UNESCO in 2011, International Jazz Day is recognized by the United Nations General Assembly. Every year on April 30, it connects countries and communities worldwide. This annual celebration underscores the power of jazz in promoting peace, cultural dialogue, diversity, and respect for human dignity. International Jazz Day has become a global movement, reaching more than 2 billion people annually. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the leading non-profit organization responsible for producing International Jazz Day.

For more information and registration details, visit www.jazzday.com or www.unesco.org/en/international-jazz-day.